Three-time UFC veteran Aaron Rosa makes pro boxing debut on Nov. 30

http://mmajunkie.comUFC, Strikeforce and Bellator veteran Aaron Rosa (17-5 MMA, 0-0 Boxing) is scheduled to make his professional boxing debut on Nov. 30.

Rosa is slated to meet Dominique Smith, who also makes his professional debut in a four-round heavyweight (more than 200 pounds) matchup.

The bout takes place on the undercard of Standing 8 Promotions’ “Mid-Cities Mayhem” event, which takes place at Hurst Conference Center in Hurst, Texas.

“I had success with my standup game in MMA, and I know it will translate to pro boxing,” Rosa stated in an official release.

The 29-year-old Rosa, who has competed in MMA at both heavyweight and light heavyweight, made his professional MMA debut in 2005 and earned 10-straight wins to start his career. He was then picked up by ElteXC, where he went 1-2 in three appearances on the company’s prospects-driven ShoXC cards.

After the defeat, Rosa earned four-straight wins while fighting for Bellato, Shark Fights and Titan Fighting Championships and was awarded a UFC contract. In his octagon debut, Rosa lost to heavyweight Joey Beltran at UFC 131. Rosa then dropped to 205 pounds, where he earned a majority decision over Matt Luca before losing via TKO to James Te Huna. Rosa was then released from the promotion.

Rosa, a native Texan, boasts six TKO wins in his MMA career.

“Aaron can hit like a mule,” Standing 8 Promotions’ Randy Galindo stated. “In the heavyweight division it only takes one punch to end things. Aaron has that ability and I think his chances of making a successful transition are great.”